Be There For You

Throughout my life I have been accused of many things.

Some people accused me of stamping my name on too many coins.

Others accused me of advertising too aggressively.

A few accused me of things far more serious than that.

The newspapers seemed unable to go a month without mentioning my name.

Yet despite all the controversy, arguments, lawsuits, accusations, and adventures, I always believed in one simple principle:

A good tool should be there when you need it.

That is why I admire a copper still.

Most people associate stills with moonshine and spirits. While they certainly have a long history in that regard, a still is capable of far more than most people realize.

• A still can produce distilled water.
• A still can create essential oils.
• A still can produce perfumes, botanical extracts, flavorings, soaps, and many other useful products.

Throughout history, distillation has been used in medicine, agriculture, manufacturing, chemistry, and everyday life.

One tool. Many purposes.

That is the kind of invention I can appreciate.

During my years operating Fort Wilkins in Pittsfield, I learned that self-reliance is one of the most valuable assets a person can possess. Whether I was pulling teeth, selling remedies, trading furs, operating businesses, or explaining myself before a judge, I preferred to rely on my own ingenuity whenever possible.

The world changes. Human nature does not.

• People still want clean water.
• People still want useful products.
• People still want the ability to create things for themselves.

A copper still provides exactly that opportunity.

Some people may wish to create perfumes.

Others may enjoy producing essential oils or botanical extracts.

Some may simply appreciate having the ability to produce distilled water whenever they choose.

The value lies not in any single use.

The value lies in having options.

That lesson served me well throughout my life.

The people of Pittsfield remembered me for many things.

• The bear standing outside Fort Wilkins.
• The coins carrying my name.
• The businesses I built.
• The controversies that followed me.
• The stories that still survive more than a century later.

What mattered most to me, however, was creating something useful.

Something that earned its place.

Something that would still be valued long after the newspapers stopped printing.

A good copper still is exactly that kind of tool.

When the time comes to put it to work, it will be there for you.

— Alchemist G. G. Wilkins